Is there anything more nostalgic and utterly irresistible than a batch of homemade Peanut Butter Blossoms? These classic cookies bring together the rich, creamy essence of peanut butter and the luscious melt-in-your-mouth magic of a chocolate Kiss at just the right moment. Not only do they look festive and fun, but the way the flavors play together delivers a cookie that’s astonishingly more than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy family treat, or just because you deserve something special, Peanut Butter Blossoms never fail to put smiles on faces and warmth in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking up a perfect batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms couldn’t be simpler, and every ingredient truly matters. Each one adds its magic to the taste, texture, and that iconic look we all love in these cookies.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- Baking soda: Lends the cookies their cheerful rise and just-right spread.
- Salt: Enhances the peanut butter flavor, keeping things balanced and craveable.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the cookies bake up tender and moist.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star that gives every bite its signature peanutty delight.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the outside its classic sparkly finish.
- Brown sugar (packed): Infuses the cookies with a hint of caramel flavor and chewy texture.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and helps keep the cookies light instead of dense.
- Milk: Adds moisture so the dough is easy to work with and stays tender.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the flavor and ties everything together.
- Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped): The signature chocolate crown that makes each bite pure bliss.
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, the perfect temperature to bake these cookies just right. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Taking this step first means everything’s ready when your dough comes together, so you don’t lose momentum (or excitement!).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your rising agent is evenly distributed, giving every single Peanut Butter Blossom that just-right tender crumb and loft. Setting these aside for later makes the final mixing step a breeze.
Step 3: Cream Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and a little paler in color. This technique traps air, ensuring the cookies bake up beautifully soft with a slightly crisp edge.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in your egg, pour in the milk, and sprinkle in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined into a creamy, luscious base. This blend brings a richness and cohesion to the dough that makes Peanut Butter Blossoms so distinctly wonderful.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the prepared flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together. Work gently and don’t overmix—this helps keep your cookies soft and tender, never tough.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
Scoop out dough and roll it between your palms into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in a shallow bowl of extra granulated sugar. The sugar coating creates that magical sparkling crust that screams home-baked goodness.
Step 7: Bake and Add Kisses
Arrange the sugar-rolled dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until they’re lightly golden at the edges. Remove the tray from the oven and, while the cookies are still hot, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The warmth hugs the chocolate, helping it nestle in perfectly.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely helps the chocolate Kiss set up nicely so you get that satisfying bite every time. Now, try to resist eating them ALL at once!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms
Garnishes
A classic Peanut Butter Blossom hardly needs extra flair, but a dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch. You could also drizzle a little melted chocolate across the tops if you’re feeling extra decadent. For special occasions, try sprinkling chopped nuts or colored sugars before baking for a playful look.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or coffee for grownups. For a dessert platter, pair them with brownies or buttery shortbread for a tempting holiday spread. The simple, comforting peanut butter-chocolate combo amazes alongside creamy vanilla or peanut butter ice cream, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Build a cookie tower with alternating rows of Peanut Butter Blossoms and other favorite treats, or bundle them into clear bags tied with ribbon for delightful homemade gifts. Stack them in a festive tin—so classic! Or try threading small cookies onto wooden skewers to create a whimsical bouquet for a party table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Blossoms keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their fresh, bakery-made texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream—just pop baked and cooled cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container. If you prefer, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls (before rolling in sugar), then thaw, roll, and bake as needed for fresh treats on demand. The chocolate Kisses will hold up well either way.
Reheating
Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave to nudge the chocolate back toward a molten, just-baked state. For a crowd, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes so everyone gets that “fresh from the oven” experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun bit of texture and extra peanut flavor. Just keep in mind, your dough may be a tad thicker, so watch your baking time accordingly.
Can I make Peanut Butter Blossoms gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your substitutions include xanthan gum or a similar binder to help keep things tender, and you’ll still get classic results.
How do I stop the cookies from cracking too much when adding the Kiss?
Slight cracking is totally normal and actually gives the cookies their signature look! If you want even less cracking, try pressing the Kiss in very gently and do so immediately after baking, while the cookies are still hot and pliable.
Can I use different kinds of chocolate Kisses?
Definitely—this is where you can have so much fun! Swap in dark chocolate, hugs, caramel-filled, or even almond Kisses for a new flavor twist on the classic Peanut Butter Blossom.
What’s the best way to avoid burnt bottoms on my cookies?
Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper, and consider double-panning by placing one baking sheet on top of another if your oven runs hot. If you notice uneven browning, rotating the pan halfway through baking can also help.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Peanut Butter Blossoms that guarantees happiness, whether it’s nostalgia, the melt-in-the-middle chocolate, or the teamwork of peanut butter and sugar. Try them once, and they’ll definitely become a cherished staple in your cookie rotation—share a batch and watch them disappear!
Print
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Blossoms are classic holiday cookies featuring a peanut butter cookie base topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. Easy to make and perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, sugars until fluffy. Add egg, milk, vanilla; beat to combine.
- Combine: Gradually mix in dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Shape: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden; press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie immediately.
- Cool and store: Cool on sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try using chocolate truffle or almond Kisses.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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